Everything You Need to Know About Jurong, Singapore
When my kids need to burn off energy without burning a hole in my wallet, Jurong becomes our go-to playground. Between the giant lake gardens, rooftop mall playgrounds, and free museum zones, it’s a family win every single time.
It’s not just about parks, either. Jurong packs in science fun, affordable hawker eats, and even sheltered walkways that connect malls. Here’s a simple guide to help families, tourists, and curious locals explore the best of this west-side hub.
Overview of Jurong in Singapore
I used to think of Jurong as just “the far west” until I learned it’s actually a whole planning area with about 74,000 residents. Split into Jurong East and Jurong West, it’s one of those areas that mixes everyday housing estates with big-name attractions.
What surprises me is how it’s shaping up to be Singapore’s next economic hub. The Jurong Lake District is fast filling with commercial developments, making it as much about business as it is about perks and family days out.
Where is Jurong?
Jurong is in the west of Singapore, split into Jurong East (the commercial hub with malls, MRT interchange, and most tourist attractions), and Jurong West (more residential and industrial, stretching toward NTU and Tuas.
How to Get Around
MRT: The MRT is the fastest way to move in and out of Jurong, with Jurong East MRT (East-West and North-South Lines) serving as the main hub. From there, most malls and attractions are within walking distance or a short bus ride away.
Bus: Jurong’s bus network is extensive, with services like 66, 97, and 197 linking to the town and other neighbourhoods. The Jurong East bus interchange sits right next to the MRT for easy transfers.
Taxis and ride-hailing: Taxis and apps like Grab are convenient for families or groups heading to specific spots like Jurong Lake Gardens or Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle. Drop-offs at Jurong East MRT or major malls are the most straightforward.
Car service: Driving is simple via the PIE or AYE Expressways, with clear signs pointing to malls and attractions. Parking is plentiful in places like Jem, Westgate, IMM, and Science Centre Singapore.
Things to See and Do in Jurong
Stroll Jurong Lake Gardens
– Media from misspoteyto
Location: Yuan Ching Rd
Hours: Open 24 hours
I love taking slow walks at Jurong Lake Gardens, where the Rasau Walk boardwalk winds over the water, and the Lone Tree makes an ideal photo stop. The kids always end up spotting herons and dragonflies near the wetlands, keeping them entertained for hours.
On cooler days, we like heading to the Forest Ramble playground, with its slides, swings, and climbing structures inspired by nature.
Crossing the bridge into the Chinese and Japanese Gardens is like stepping into two worlds at once. I always pause at the pagodas in the Chinese Garden and then wander into the bonsai collection for its quiet charm.
The Japanese Garden is calmer, with stone lanterns, arched bridges, and koi ponds tucked among the greenery. My kids like spotting turtles sunbathing by the ponds while I sneak a few photos of the manicured landscapes.
Pro-tip: Stay until evening at the Grasslands for one of the best sunset views in the west.
Get hands-on at the Science Centre Singapore
– Media from sciencecentresg
Location: 15 Science Centre Rd
Contact: +6564252500
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM–5 PM
Buy tickets here.
My kids never get bored at Science Centre Singapore, where they can press buttons, twist knobs, and watch experiments come alive. We usually start with the kinetic garden outside, then head in for the space and dinosaur exhibits.
Snow City next door is always a hit, too. They can tumble in the snow while I thaw out with a hot drink.
Pro-tip: If you’ve got time, hit the Omni-Theatre Planetarium to wrap up the day.
Make a clay vase at Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle
– Media from tkpotteryjungle
Location: 85 Lor Tawas
Hours: Daily, 9 AM–5 PM
Being in Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle is stumbling into a time capsule in Jurong, with its massive dragon kiln stretching like a sleeping beast. It still gets fired up, so it’s not just for decoration.
I realised while shaping my first cup from clay, workshops at this place are hands-on and messy in the best way.
Pro-tip: Go ahead and poke around the pottery jungle for unique finds like quirky ceramic animals (just be careful not to break anything).
Experience winter year-round in Snow City
– Media from snowcitysg
Location: Floor 1, Science Centre Singapore, 21 Jurong Town Hall Rd
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM–5 PM
My kids squealed louder than the snow machines at Snow City the first time we visited, but that’s to be expected. It was a surreal experience watching them tumble down the icy slide in full winter gear in humid Jurong.
I usually thaw out with a hot drink while they build snowmen and pelt each other with snowballs. Cheesy fun? Yes, but for kids who’ve never seen real snow, it’s pure magic.
Pro-tip: For hygiene, give the gloves, socks, and mittens rentals a pass and bring your own pair.
Have a picnic at Jurong Hill Park
– Media from ruiyu25
Location: 60 Jurong Hill
Hours: Open 24 hours
I like bringing a simple picnic up to Jurong Hill Park, where the old spiral tower gives us sweeping views of the west. The climb is short, but the reward is spotting ships at the port and greenery stretching out toward the lake.
The park itself is quiet, with benches shaded by big trees, and a breezy hilltop that’s perfect for kids to run around.
Pro-tip: End the visit with a walk down the garden paths, and keep an eye out for colourful butterflies along the way.
Where to Eat and Drink in Jurong
Taman Jurong Food Centre
– Media from lau.eileen
Location: 3 Yung Sheng Rd
Contact: +6562255632
Hours: Daily, 11 AM–9 PM
Price: $
When we’re caught with rumbling tummies in the west, Taman Jurong Food Centre becomes our first stop. It has over a hundred stalls stacked with local favourites!
I usually go for the satay or a plate of nasi lemak that tastes just like home. Meanwhile, my little ones never say no to the crispy fried carrot cake, especially when it’s served piping hot.
Pro-tip: Get there before a hungry crowd orders all of the claypot rice and zi char dishes upstairs, which get sold out right after lunch.
Time Table Cafe
– Media from time_table_cafe
Location: Jurong West Street 41, #01-726 Block 456
Contact: +6565665088
Hours:
Monday, 11 AM–3 AM
Tuesday, 11 AM–midnight
Wednesday to Sunday, 11 AM–3 AM
Price: $$
For something hearty but fun, we make a beeline for Time Table Cafe on Jurong West Street. Its kimchi pasta and bulgogi burger tickle the palate with fresh, inventive flavours.
When I’m with friends, we usually share the honey butter fried chicken, which disappears fast among us.
Pro-tip: For a sweet finish, the bingsu is big enough for a couple of kids to tackle on their own.
Yuhua Village Market & Food Centre
– Media from onekuehatatime
Location: Floor 1, Yuhua Village, 254 Jurong East St 24
Hours: Daily, 7 AM–11 PM
Price: $
At Yuhua Village Market & Food Centre, my family never leaves without a plate of chicken rice that tastes like a proper classic. The lor mee there is thick and garlicky, which is why my husband has at least two servings.
Breakfast is easy, too. We just grab wanton mee or a kopi with kaya toast before heading out.
Pro-tip: If you’re lucky, the fried carrot cake stall still has some left by mid-morning. Otherwise, queue up as early as you can for it.
W39 Bistro & Bakery
– Media from w39bistro
Location: 39 Jln Mas Puteh
Contact: +6588072421
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9 AM–9 PM
Price: $$
The eggs Benedict and truffle fries are always reliable brunch picks at W39 Bistro & Bakery when I’m feeling extra-fancy. A flat white on the side keeps me fueled for my mommy and businesswoman duties of the day.
To assuage the guilt, I get some rainbow cake to take home to the kids.
Pro-tip: Swing by on the weekends for set lunches. It’s cheaper, and already comes with coffee and dessert.
Where to Shop in Jurong
IMM
– Media from immoutletmall
Location: 2 Jurong East Street 21
Contact: +6566658268
Hours: Daily, 10 AM–10 PM
Price: $$
IMM has become my hunting ground for great bargains. The Nike, Adidas, and Coach outlets make it too easy to score deals without breaking the bank.
We also like popping into Muji or Daiso for home finds before grabbing a bite at one of the many eateries in the mall. The mix of fashion, furniture, and factory outlets makes it worth the trip every time.
Pro-tip: Go on weekdays when the stocks are fresher, crowds are thinner, and the outlet discounts are real steals.
Jem
– Media from jemsingapore
Location: 50 Jurong Gateway Rd
Contact: +6562255536
Hours: Daily, 10 AM–10 PM
Price: $$
Jem has become my default stop in Jurong for both groceries and a wardrobe fix. Uniqlo and H&M are handy for quick fashion grabs, while FairPrice Xtra handles the weekly pantry supplies.
I like that it packs in lifestyle stores, too, from IKEA’s smaller city outlet to Sephora for a beauty top-up.
Pro-tip: Dining is easy at Jem, with everything from Din Tai Fung to affordable food court eats under one roof.
Westgate
– Media from westgatesg
Location: 3 Gateway Drive
Contact: +6569083737
Hours: Daily, 10 AM–10 PM
Price: $$
To me, Westgate feels like the polished cousin of Jurong’s malls, where we head for fashion and family-friendly stops. I usually browse ZARA and COS before swinging by Toys “R” Us for the kids.
Also, a quick stop at Watsons or Isetan means I can tick off errands without another trip.
Pro-tip: The rooftop playground at Westgate is a lifesaver when the kids get restless mid-shopping.